Italy doing worse than other countries

(ANSA) - Rome, October 5 - OECD Secretary-General Angel
Gurría said Thursday that over over 13 million adults in Italy
Ä or 40% of the adult population Ä have low numeracy and
literacy skills, as he presented a diagnostic report on the
country.

"This is much higher than the share of low-skilled adults
across OECD countries, who on average make up 27% of the
population," he said.
"It is also higher than what is observed in Germany and
Poland, where the share of low-skilled adults comprise 23% and
29% of the population, respectively.
"Italy also has a relatively low share of first-time tertiary
graduates at 35% Ä on par with countries like Hungary, Mexico
and Luxembourg Ä compared to the OECD average of 49%".

It was not all bad news though.

"Italian workers display relatively good 'readiness-to-learn
and problem solving' skills, suggesting that more targeted
education and training policies could help develop and make
better use of skills," he said.
"Italy has already taken important steps towards this,
through an ambitious reform process.
"The Good School Reform, the Jobs Act, and the Industry 4.0
programme have been milestones". (ANSA).